Hehe, wonder where this came from? I am a-okay with someone parenting my child if I step out of the room or if I miss something. But I don't appreciate people trying to usurp my parental power right in front of me. Thanks, but I will take care of it.

It takes a village to raise a child..I firmly believe that..and maybe the world is in the sorry mess it is in because everyone just started looking the other way. "Not my kid, not my problem". I have news for you buddy..that kid becomes EVERYONE'S problem if there is no one loving enough, strong enough and kind enough to step in and let him know what is acceptable and what is not. Unruly children become selfish, thoughtless, reckless adults. I think everyone has a duty to upbraid a child in a case of rudeness, bullying or downright meanness. If my children were getting out of line in any of these departments I sure would want them to be told off if I wasn't there to do it myself. Mainly though, children learn by example..we all need to set a good example and do it with love. And yes, sometimes parents need a good talking to as well.

I came over from Scary Mommy because I loved your comment about being in the shoe store with your youngest. I can relate. I don't think my fourth one has ever even owned any new underwear!And on this topic, I must agree with nikki. I would feel awkward if someone corrected what I was doing with my kids with me right there - unless I wasn't paying attention. Which has happened.

The parents of unruly kids need a swift kick in the ass, to watch your child doing stupid, hurtful or disrespectful things and then say " what am I gonna do with him....hah hah " is a reflection of your personal bias and immaturity,and this can be destructive to the poor kid who will grow up to be an asshole.So you wanna stand on the wayside and let your kid rot....., not in my house, stand back and watch.....and shaddup or you'll be next.Children need to be taught to be respectful of all adults they encounter...they don't have to take candy from a stranger but they do need to know that when Aunty says..."Stop, that's not nice" or "now put your plate in the sink and go wash your hands" that it is for their own good and this type of behavior must taught at home and reinforced whenever and wherever necessary.If a parent neglects to teach her kids good manners and the difference between right and wrong, then it is the right of society to deal with the lil' imps for the sakeof our own future.You may speak.S

If there is a risk of blood being spilled then YES. And when people address my kids? I am mortified that they deserved rebuke. it's rare that I take exception to it--that's only happened on 2-3 occasions.

When I was a kid, there was a man named Rossi who lived the next block over. One day, Mr. Rossi hit me. Just smacked me upside the head for no particular reason (or maybe it was because I was cutting through his yard, I forget). Anyway, I ran home and told my Dad, "Daddy, Mr. Rossi hit me!!", whereupon, my dad smacked me and said, "If Joe Rossi hit you he must have had a reason."

It takes a village. Not that I would hit someone else's child, but you get the idea.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161410868 - So funny that this should be the topic of an article in today's Express newspaper - BBC Looking for Strict T& T Parents for reality show (to tame unruly british teens!)

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